Photo Credit: NHL.com
An experienced Center/Winger Nate Thompson, an Alaskan born native, played just about two seasons with the Flyers. Thompson was one of 14 born Alaskans to play at least one single game in the NHL. He was familiar with the organization as he was obtained at the 2019-20 trade deadline, and he was inked to a deal in 2021-22. Yesterday he decided to hang up his skates for good.
Thompson was strong defensively, and really had a keen hockey sense while playing with the orange and black. He wasn’t the fastest skater but he can pot goals in tight spaces, and was tough to move off the puck. Thompson plays a two-way game, and possesses puck skills to succeed at the NHL level. For his efforts, Thompson played the penalty kill, and he is a sizable Forward down the middle as he stands 6’1 217 pounds. Another area of his game that was sometimes underappreciated was faceoffs. Thompson was one of the best in the business at winning faceoffs. For his career, Thompson finished a 52.9% winning percentage on draws.
This 39-year-old in Thompson was a solid versatile bottom 9-12 player that played the game the right way, and was good in the locker room. Moreover, Thompson will fit in well in Head Coach Alain Vigneault’s system, as he was a defensive first type of player. However, Thompson did pot a big goal or two, as well.
Again Thompson wasn’t the flashiest, or best NHL’er to play the game. He checked off boxes of need for the Flyers overall during his tenure. Now it’s time to let him ride off into the sunset, and enjoy life to it’s fullest.
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